Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill a Collins or Bucket Glass with ice
- Add Vodka and Peach Schnapps
- Fill half way with Cranberry Juice and the rest of the way with Orange Juice
- Garnish with pineapple cherry flag
Sex on the beach: a cocktail that tastes like paradise
The Sex on the Beach cocktail is a vibrant, fruit-forward drink known for its tropical sweetness and summer-ready appeal. Made with vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice, it delivers a refreshing balance of citrus, tartness, and ripe peach flavor. Its layered, sunset-like appearance makes it a favorite at beach bars, pool parties, and warm-weather gatherings. Despite its playful name, the cocktail has earned its spot as a modern classic thanks to its easy drinkability and bold, juicy flavors.
The history of Sex on the Beach is as fun as the drink itself. The most widely accepted origin story dates back to Florida in the 1980s during the introduction of peach schnapps to the U.S. market. To boost sales, liquor companies encouraged bartenders to create new cocktails featuring schnapps. One enterprising Florida bartender reportedly named his creation “Sex on the Beach” because, according to him, the two things tourists came to Florida for were “the beach and sex.” The catchy name stuck, and the cocktail quickly spread across bars nationwide.
The flavor profile of Sex on the Beach is bright, sweet, and fruity, making it an excellent pairing for light, fresh dishes. It complements tropical and citrus-based meals, such as grilled shrimp, coconut shrimp, fish tacos, ceviche, and lightly seasoned white fish. The drink’s sweetness also balances spicy foods remarkably well, especially dishes featuring chili heat—think spicy wings, jalapeño poppers, Cajun dishes, or Caribbean-spiced chicken. The acidity from the cranberry juice keeps the drink refreshing alongside these bolder flavors.
It also pairs beautifully with party-style foods and snacks, thanks to its crowd-pleasing, sweet flavor. Charcuterie boards with salty meats and creamy cheeses, fresh fruit trays, and light pastries all work well with the cocktail’s tropical notes. Its dessert-friendly flavor makes it a great accompaniment to fruity sweets like peach cobbler, lemon bars, or berry tarts. Whether enjoyed as a beachside drink or a colorful addition to a night out, Sex on the Beach remains a refreshing, flavorful, and fun cocktail that suits a wide range of foods and occasions.
Sex on the Beach
A Light and Refreshing Cocktail to sip on a beach or at home with friends around a bon fire.